Council introduces temporary alcohol ban in Riccarton and Ilam

Christchurch City Council has approved a six-month temporary alcohol ban in public places in Riccarton and Ilam starting from 19 May.

At today’s Council meeting Councillors also agreed to consult on an amendment to the Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw which if adopted would result in a permanent ban coming into effect in both areas when the temporary ban is lifted on 30 November.

The Councillors also asked staff to investigate and report back on temporary or permanent bans in Merivale and Akaroa and also amending the current alcohol ban in Papanui.

Alan Bywater, Programme Manager for the Council’s Strategy and Planning Group, told Councillors the transfer of people from central city bars to suburban areas since the 22 February earthquake had resulted in a corresponding shift in violence and disorder.

“Both (the Police and Riccarton/Wigram Community Board) have raised a number of issues relating to activities arising from changes to some drinking patterns, with increased numbers of people in the area,” Mr Bywater said.

“Some of the disorderly conduct could be controlled under legislation, for example the Summary Offences Act 1981 and the Litter Act 1979, but the Police consider creating an Alcohol Ban under Local Government Act 2002 provisions provides for early intervention.”

The ban will apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to all public spaces controlled by the Council, and all roads, whether Council controlled or not. It does not apply to places open to the public that are under private ownership, such as private car parks or private sports grounds.

Community groups and residents groups had been consulted regarding the ban.

Police had also sought a Temporary Alcohol Ban Area in Merivale and Papanui, however Mr Bywater said in both cases the evidence to support the bans needed further investigation.

Police reports showed Riccarton, Merivale and Papanui had experienced a significant increase in disorder since the 22 February quake, so much so that Christchurch City patrols were now spending more than 50 percent of their time in these areas every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, dealing with drunken youths, out of control parties, intoxicated people, fights and other disorder.